Women On Course For Competition And Enjoyment

Maxine Bodman loves playing in the Palm Beach County Women's Amateur golf tournament.

The 80-year-old Florida native has been a fixture at the 28-year-old tournament, playing every year but three.

"I like the challenge," said Bodman, who has played golf since 1958 and was one of 78 women to play in the event April 25-27 at the President Country Club.

"I played sports all of my life," she said. "At one time, I was very competitive and cared about my score, but I've reconciled that I am happy to play 18 holes."

Bodman carded 113-111-112-336 to finish fourth in the Eighth Flight, good enough to win the Super Duper Senior title.

Players were divided into eight flights -- strictly gross scores, not net. There were only 13 golfers under 50.

"The tournament was a struggle, but there was fresh air and a nice course," said Bodman of West Palm Beach.

She said there is one thing that will keep her coming back for more.

"It's the pleasure of getting up there and hearing the ball go clunk in the bottom of the hole."

Bodman, a gold medal winner in both the Delray Senior Games and Veteran's Administration Senior Games, is in Hampton Roads, Va., this weekend competing in the 55-and-over Division in shot put, discus, horseshoes and croquet. She won gold medals in all four events last year.

Another winner was Taffy Brower, who has played in all the tournaments. She shot 71-73-74-218 to win the championship flight for the seventh time.

There also were tournament novices, including Jane Taubes, 69, of Boynton Beach.

"Golf is such a wonderful sport," said Taubes, who was playing in her first tournament. "I like meeting all of the different people. I have played with a 9-year-old and a 90-year-old. You meet all kinds of interesting people and the game is very addictive."

Taubes said the most intimidating part of the experience was hitting in the driving range on the first day.

"I was looking around the driving range and watching the other ladies swing," she said. "The woman who won [Taffy Brower] was amazing. She is 61, so there is hope for me."

Taubes, who took up golf after injuring a knee seven years ago, is a converted tennis player. She decided to play in the tournament after some prodding from friends.

"I did enjoy it, although it was very intense," said Taubes, who shot a 113-102-99-314, finishing last in the Sixth Flight. "I knew going in that I wasn't going to be in the running, but I wanted to do it for the competition and the experience."